Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs, calling them “very dumb” and accusing the U.S. of appeasing Russia while waging a trade war against Canada.
During a blunt press conference in his final days in office, Trudeau announced that Canada would retaliate with tariffs on over $100 billion worth of American goods in response to Trump’s 25 percent tariff imposition.
“Today, the United States launched a trade war against Canada—its closest partner and ally—while, at the same time, it talks about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense,” Trudeau said, visibly frustrated.
Trump’s tariffs, which target Canada, Mexico, and China, have sparked immediate retaliation and market instability. The new 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports took effect just after midnight, with Canadian energy exports facing a slightly lower 10 percent levy.
Addressing Trump directly, Trudeau said:
“I want to speak to one specific American—Donald. It’s not in my habit to agree with the Wall Street Journal, but even they point out that while you may be a smart guy, this is a very dumb move.”
The premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, also announced countermeasures, including a 25 percent export tax on electricity supplied to the U.S., with the possibility of halting exports entirely if tariffs persist. Ontario, which powers 1.5 million U.S. homes across Michigan, New York, and Minnesota, also threatened to stop sales of nickel and rare minerals to the U.S.
In another move, Ontario and other provinces have started removing American liquor brands from government-run store shelves. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario, which generates nearly $687 million in sales from U.S. alcoholic beverages annually, has already begun pulling American products.
Trudeau addressed the American public, emphasizing that Canada does not seek a trade war but is being forced into it by Trump’s policies.
“How do Americans feel about abandoning their friends and allies in favor of a country that has never wished them well and continues to act in ways that harm the global economy, the American economy, and American values?” Trudeau said, referring to Russia.
He also questioned Trump’s broader intentions, claiming that the U.S. president has expressed a desire to weaken Canada’s economy with the ultimate goal of annexing the country.
“He has said multiple times that his goal is to ruin Canada’s economy so he can move toward annexation. That’s what he wants,” Trudeau claimed. “But let’s be clear—that will never happen. Canada will never be the 51st state.”
Trump responded to Trudeau’s remarks on Truth Social, stating:
“Please explain to Governor Trudeau, of Canada, that when he puts on a Retaliatory Tariff on the U.S., our Reciprocal Tariff will immediately increase by a like amount!”
Trump’s stance has sparked outrage in Canada, with many Canadians expressing their anger through protests and symbolic actions. At recent NHL games, Canadian fans have booed the American national anthem, and Trudeau suggested that Canadians would start prioritizing domestic products and avoiding vacations in the U.S.
“Canadians are hurt. Canadians are angry. We will choose not to vacation in Florida. We will choose to buy Canadian. And yes, we will probably keep booing the American anthem,” Trudeau declared.
Source: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2025/03/04/trudeau-slams-trumps-tariffs-launching-a-trade-war-against-canada